Taking to the Streets

In the past, street food in Malta consisted of no more than the freshly-made doughnuts, sold out of a van, festa food that was simply hot-dogs, burger and fried food and mqaret. Anyone who has ever made the trip from the bus terminus through city gate was tempted by the wafts of fried mqaret, stuffed with all their datey gloriousness.

Through no one has ever complained about warm sweets being sold on the streets. this was never the sort of food you could call lunch and definitely not the sort of food you’d want to be eating every day.

Times have changed, however, and today food trucks have become more popular with many different types of food on offer. The Grassy Hopper seemed to have started this trend their trailer selling fast vegan food that is kind to your gut, as well as your pocket, so that you could consider this an everyday option. Since then, more and more food trucks have started competing for our lunch money with some healthy and some less healthy options. So, as the autumn routine sets in and life gets a little busier, if you’re looking for a quick lunch that is also packed with flavour, you now have plenty of choices.

Bille D

Billie D’s rollin kitchen makes lunch better than yo momma – at least that’s what they claim! These trendy young ladies serve the best healthy lunches – salads, soups, snacks and iced teas. Their motto is that salads don’t have to be boring and should certainly leave you satisfied. Their salads are varied but all involve a leaf of some sort, some protein, grains or legumes, vegetables, a couple of toppings and some homemade dressings. Goodbye boring salads! They offer cool and refreshing soups in the summer (which will undoubtedly get warmer when the weather cools down a little!) and freshly concocted iced teas and lemonades. Billie D is sure to hit the spot and keep you on top of your game throughout the day.

Eat

Malta is slowly finding a new obsession in smoked meat. Slow cooking is making a comeback and what better way to slow cook your meat than in a smoker? Find some of the usual favourites, like a bacon cheese toastie, pulled pork, pulled beef ribs or try something more exciting – they make their own pastrami, which is beef brisket that has been brined, partially dried, flavoured and then smoked. Looking for a quick snack? Then try their pork scratchings. Once you’ve been served, sit under the shade of the tree and enjoy your meal overlooking the fields of Bidnija.

Where to find them
Triq Misrah Għonoq, MostaTel: 99809990

Bavarian Sausage

This German duo do sausage with a side of humour. “Try my sausage,” the Germans say with a cheeky smile. Though these guys are selling fast food, what makes them unique is that their fare is typically Bavarian (and hard to come by in Malta). Be sure to try their weisswurst, which literally means white sausage. This is a traditionally Bavarian sausage and made from minced veal and pork back bacon, flavoured with herbs and spices. Of course, if you are eating German sausage, you just have to have a German beer, of which there are plenty to choose from.

Where to find them
The Strand, SliemaTel: 77432204

Avotaco

Everyone loves a little bit of Mexican food. Avotaco is the food truck that fulfils all your
Mexican desires with authentic tacos, quesadillas, guacamole, refried beans and plenty of meats, mostly served with lashings of cilantro (coriander for those of us not from the Americas) cream. If you’re into sweets, then try their sweet Taco Dulce, served with grilled bananas, cinnamon, dulce de leche and chocolate. We’ll have two of those!

Kuya

Kuya started when two brothers returned from their travels in Asia. The concept of their
Gourmasian Gastrovan is a fusion of Asian cuisine that can be served in a hurry. In Asia street food is huge, with light bites being sold on every corner. Though the original pair have set up a shop in St Julian’s, they have passed on the food truck to a friend who is still serving up some great Asian lunches in a hurry. Dumplings, rice, noodles, curries and burgers, they keep it fresh and exciting.

Where to find them
Ta’ Xbiex Waterfront, Ta’ Xbiex
Tel: 79282838

Miss Ellen’s Travelling Treats

Technically this is not a lunch spot, and if it is you probably need to re-think your lunch habits but it deserves a spot on the list nonetheless. This retro food truck is no more than a sweet shop, but what a sweet shop it is! Whether you’re looking for American or English sweets, branded or by weight, something specific or just something yummy, Miss Ellen’s Travelling Treats has something for you. Though these guys generally stop in Ħamrun from Monday to Friday, you can also hire the truck out for private functions. And who doesn’t like a selection of sweets at a party?